Sleeping in Berlin Brandenburg Airport is possible, but most travellers should keep their expectations low. The airport allows overnight stays, and many people sleep here before early morning flights. However, comfortable sleeping options are limited.
Terminal 1 is generally the best choice. Most seating has armrests, making it difficult to stretch out, and many of the formerly popular sleeping spots have become less useful over time. The best free options are a handful of benches near the Silent Room and a few cushioned benches near Burger King or certain gate areas. Travellers looking for proper sleep should consider the Napcabs in Terminal 1.
This airport is best suited for budget travellers, people with early departures, and travellers willing to sleep on a bench or the floor.
Can You Sleep in Berlin Brandenburg Airport Overnight?
Yes. Overnight sleeping is permitted, and travellers regularly spend the night in the terminal before early morning flights.
Terminal 1 is the preferred terminal for overnight stays. Terminal 2 is smaller and offers fewer sleeping opportunities. Security checkpoints generally close overnight and reopen around 4:00 AM, so many travellers remain landside until morning.
While airport staff generally tolerate sleepers, comfortable sleeping spaces are limited. Most seating has armrests, and many travellers end up sleeping on benches or the floor.
Travellers seeking a better night’s sleep should consider booking one of the Napcabs available inside Terminal 1.
Sleep Advantages
- Overnight sleeping is permitted.
- Generally reported as safe by recent travellers.
- Temperature is often described as comfortable rather than excessively cold.
- Napcabs provide dedicated private sleeping cabins.
- Free power outlets are available in some areas.
- 24-hour food and drink options are available.
- Terminal 1 offers a few armrest-free benches and cushioned seating areas.
- Kamps Bakery operates 24 hours a day.
Sleep Drawbacks
- Most seats have fixed armrests.
- Comfortable sleeping spots are limited and fill quickly.
- Bright lighting throughout much of the terminal.
- Some quiet areas have been reduced or restricted overnight.
- Noise from airport staff and cleaning activity can disturb sleep.
- Limited access to power outlets in many seating areas.
- Showers appear unavailable despite some facilities remaining in place.
- Security checkpoints close overnight, limiting access to airside areas.
Best Places to Sleep
Travellers report several flat wooden benches outside the Silent Room (chapel). The area tends to be slightly warmer and dimmer than surrounding parts of the terminal.
Sleep Conditions
- Seating: Flat wooden benches
- Noise: Moderate (staff frequently pass through nearby doors)
- Lighting: Moderate to Bright
- Temperature: Comfortable
- Power: Nearby outlets available
Sleep Conditions
- Seating: Cushioned armrest-free benches
- Noise: Moderate
- Lighting: Moderate
- Temperature: Comfortable
- Power: Limited
- Sleep Conditions
- Seating: Cushioned bench
- Noise: Moderate
- Lighting: Moderate
Sleep Conditions
- Seating: Floor space
- Noise: Moderate
- Lighting: Bright
- Temperature: Comfortable
Airport Conditions
Seating
The biggest challenge at BER is seating. Most chairs throughout the airport have fixed armrests that prevent lying down. A small number of flat benches and cushioned seating areas exist, but they are limited.
Noise
Noise levels vary. Areas near the Silent Room can be quieter than the main terminal, but staff activity and people walking past may still interrupt sleep.
Lighting
Expect bright lighting throughout much of the airport. An eye mask is strongly recommended.
Temperature
Recent travellers generally report comfortable temperatures. BER is not frequently described as excessively cold.
Power
Power outlets are available but not abundant. The area around the Silent Room is one of the most frequently mentioned charging locations.
Crowds
Terminal 1 can attract a noticeable number of overnight sleepers, especially before early morning departures. Popular sleeping spots fill quickly.
Showers
Recent traveller reports indicate that the shower facilities previously located in Terminal 1 arrivals are no longer available.
If this has changed, let us know.
Food Available Overnight
Berlin Brandenburg Airport offers better overnight food options than many European airports.
- Kamps Bakery near the train station have been reported open overnight.
Airport Lounges
Most traditional airline lounges at BER are designed for relaxing, eating, working, and showering rather than sleeping.
Travellers should not expect nap rooms, sleep pods, sleep cabins, private sleeping rooms, or dedicated overnight sleeping areas inside standard airport lounges. Read more about Airport Lounges in the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Guide.
Airport Hotels
Napcabs (Inside the Airport)
Location: Landside, Train station, Level U1, Level U1
If you only need a few hours of sleep and do not want to leave the airport, the Napcabs are an alternative to sleeping in the terminal. Available by the hour and can be booked in advance. There are four sleep cabins, each equipped with a single bed. Location: . Rates: 17,00 €/h (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 12,00 €/h (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM). Minimum charge 34,00 € (Charged to the minute). Recent travellers describe them as quiet and comfortable, though availability may be limited due to the small number of cabins.
Sleep Facilities: Private sleep cabins with a bed, desk, lighting controls, music controls, and alarm clock. Showers: No
Steigenberger Airport Hotel Berlin
Location: Adjacent to the airport terminal, connected by a short walk.
A good option for travellers who want a full night’s sleep, private bathroom, and comfortable bed without travelling into the city.
IntercityHotel Berlin Airport BER
Location: Near Terminal 1.
Convenient for early departures and significantly more comfortable than spending the night in the terminal.
Safety
Recent traveller reviews generally describe Berlin Brandenburg Airport as safe for overnight stays.
As with any airport:
- Keep valuables secured.
- Sleep near your belongings.
- Choose busier public areas if travelling alone.
- Remain aware of your surroundings during the quiet overnight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveller Reviews
Want to read more from travellers like you? Visit our Berlin Brandenburg Airport Reviews page for the latest reviews.
Help Keep This Guide Current
Help us keep this guide up to date by submitting a tip, uploading photos, or sharing your experience sleeping at Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Found a better sleeping spot? Let us know. Know the current shower status or Napcab availability? We’d love to hear from you.